Dog Chain Ordinance Passes First Reading In Monterey

An ordinance approved by Monterey Aldermen Monday prevents residents from keeping dogs chained up outside for more than 12 hours.

Aldermen JJ Reels cast the lone no vote. He said the ordinance doesn’t detail how the city will enforce the rule.

“I just want to make sure that we’re using common sense when we’re going to enforce this. There’s nothing in the proposed ordinance for any type of repercussions,” Reels said. “What’s going to happen if someone has a dog that’s chained and not being taken care of? Are we going to issue a citation, or are we going to give them a warning or seize the animal?”

Reels said many animals chained up for long periods of time have proper care. He said he wants to make sure those people don’t get punished.

“To me, there’s no reason to harass people that’s doing the right thing,” Reels said. “Some people aren’t going to agree with that because they don’t think animals should be tied up period. But people have reasons (for doing it). If they’re taking care of the animals and there’s room to roam, lets not mess with them. Why harass good people who are taking care of their animals.”

Monterey Police Chief Bill Randolph said his officers would take a common sense approach when somebody calls in to report an incident.

“We’re not going to sit and watch it for 12 hours, but we would go keep and eye on it and do routine patrols and use common sense to see if somebody has released their dog and taken care of it,” Randolph said. “If your dog’s at your house on a chain and we go by and it looks health and happy, we’re not going to ask you to document when you let it off.”

Those found in violation of the rule would likely face a fine similar to the $25 fee in place for dogs running at large. Cases involving severe abuse would head to Putnam County General Sessions Court for prosecution, Randolph said.

The ordinance passed first reading and will require a second and third before taking effect.